San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1887-12-05
Congress Opens.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6.-The senate
chamber wore fresh and tasteful APP
pearance this morning. The floors and
galleries were newly csrpeted, and the
desks glistened in their coats of var
nish, the odOr OF viii IN mingled family
with that OF bOquets aud gorgeous
floral devices which enlivened the pic
ture. The senators began to arrive and
take their seats before II O'Clock. Sem
ators Stewart and HiscoOk being
the first corners. For an hour
q busy scene. Members of both
parties. their friends and the officers of
senate taking this occasion to exchange
greetings and compare notes. The
chief topic OF nVersstion with the
majority was the prospect of Il conflict
over the admis ion OF certain democr ito
senators elect, and IL early beoams
known that the republicans in de-
fault of any caucus plan of action
had concluded 10 follow the lead of
their members of the committee
on privileges and elections. There have
been infOI NAL consultation. it VAS un-
derstood, and they had reached the con-
clusion to make no opposition to the ad-
mission OF Mr.. Turpie, of Indiana, but to
object to the admission Of Mr.. Faulkner,
Of West Virginia, on the ground that
there were conflicting credentials from
that state. The general opinion was
that the usual course Of opening pro-
ceeGings would not be broken.
The galleries were early crowded and
to overlooking. Mrs Cleveland
clad in costume OF dark green and ac-
cOmpanied by Mrs. Glider, Mrs. Kings
ford and several other lady friends Oc-
cupied the sests reserved for the family
OF the president in one of the private
galleries. The diplomatic gallery was
filed by members OF the various lega-
tions; the front seat being occupied by
the Chinese minister, his secretaries and
associates He wore magnificent
robe OF light blue satir, and his COM
panions we're clad as richly, lhUuQh in
more subdued oOlOrs. The irOree"ir gs
of the day were opened witt pray T by
the chaplain, Rev. j. q. But
Ter. He asked that the senators
might be endowed with wisdom and
strength to meet the honorable and try
ing responsibilities Of the day and all
duties that gathered around them.
The president of the senate, Mr.. IT.
gals, then took the chair AMI called the
senate to order. He said he would now
place before the senate the certificates
Of election. certificates Of appointing MT,
and other papers received since the
adjournment. In the swearing
of Senators elect, Senator Hoar
made objection to the administrs-
ton Of the oath to Mr.. Fsulk-
ner, Of West Virginia. until GER
tain questions to which his credentials
gave rise could be passed upon by the
committee on privileges and elections.
AS member Of that committee he as
sured the senate that the matter should
receive the immediate attention of the
committee, 30 If that gentleman was
found to be entitled to his sat he could
enter upon his duties without unneces-
sary delay. Senator Kenna said
that the course proposed by
the senator from Massachusetts
seemed eminc ntly appropriate, and he
trusted 1t would be followed without
the formality Of vote. This course
was followed, and the call of the sena-
tors elect proceeded. The oath was ad-
ministered to Mr.. Turpie. Of Indiana,
and he was admitted to his seat. All
papers In the case were referred to the
committee on privileges and elections.
HOUSE PROCEEDINGS.
Long before the hour of noon. the
galleries of the house were crowded to
their utmost capacity with spectators,
drawn together to witness opening
scenes Of the new congress. The laGies
were in the majority and their gay
costumes lent an air of Gnima-
ton to the chamber On the
floor the members cOngregsted
and exchanged greetings and cOngratu-
latiOns. There were very few floral
decorations on the desks OF members.
AT noon the clerk OF the house called
the body to order, snd proceeded with
the roll call amid good deal OF cOnfus-
ion, caused by gentlemen renewing old
aoquaintanGes, or forming new ones,
amid much talk and laughter.